What Is A Reddish Patch On The Back Of Her Head That Develops Into White Scar Tissue?

Posted on Thu, 6 Sep 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 6 Sep 2018 Answered on

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : my mother 62 has a reddish patch on the back of her head, and it developes into white scarry tissue after leaving unwashed for a while which then comes off as flakes. she has tried various ketokonazole, salycilic acid shampoos, but no permanent solution. please suggest what to use

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding red, scaly patch on scalp

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Perhaps she has either Scalp Psoriasis or Scalp Seborrheic dermatitis. Both of these conditions presents as red, itchy, scaly patches on scalp and elsewhere. I suggest her to use a potent topical steroid and salicylic acid based lotion e.g. Clobetasol propionate 0.05% and salicylic acid 6% lotion (Topical 6% solution), twice daily on the affected area for 2-4 weeks. In addition she may continue with a coal tar and salicylic acid based shampoo e.g. Protar shampoo. Lather it well onto wet scalp and allow it to act for 7-10minutes before rinsing. Use it every alternate days initially and thereafter once or twice weekly for maintenance.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D